STL Security: Checkpoint Hours, PreCheck and Wait Times

STL has three TSA checkpoints, one for each of the A, C and E gate areas. TSA sets the hours and can change them, and full body scanners are available at every checkpoint.

• Concourse A (Terminal 1): 3:30 am to 7:00 pm. Serves Air Canada, Delta, United and charter flights.
• Concourse C (Terminal 1): 3:30 am to 10:00 pm. Serves Alaska, American, Frontier and Southern Airways Express.
• Concourse E (Terminal 2): 3:30 am to 10:00 pm. Serves Southwest, Lufthansa, British Airways (Lufthansa and British Airways both use gate E29) and other inbound international flights.

Pick the checkpoint that matches your airline. The airport says there is no walking route between terminals, and Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 are just over a mile apart, so a wrong choice costs a shuttle ride of about 10 minutes.

The airport posts an estimated TSA wait on its TSA Security page at flystl.com/tsa-security. It also shows which checkpoints have TSA PreCheck lanes open.

The airport says these are maximum historical waits from within a range, taken from MyTSA, not exact live counts. Treat them as a guide and add a cushion.

The airport repeats TSA advice: be there 2 hours before scheduled boarding for domestic flights and 3 hours for international flights. Add time around holidays and other peak travel days.

If you park in an airport lot, add time too. STL asks you to allow 30 extra minutes for parking and the shuttle.

STL's TSA page lists which checkpoints have PreCheck lanes open, so check it on the day you fly. The airport does not publish PreCheck hours for each checkpoint.

The PreCheck enrollment center that used to sit on the upper level of Terminal 1 has closed, although the Terminal 1 map still lists a TSA Pre-Enrollment office. The airport says CLEAR enrollment pods are located outside the checkpoints and can help you enroll in PreCheck. The Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 maps both list CLEAR, but the airport does not say which checkpoints have CLEAR lanes. Ask at the pod or check clearme.com.

Global Entry enrollment is not at the airport. The St. Louis center is at 4349 Woodson Rd #201, St. Louis, MO 63134, open Monday to Friday 8 am to 4 pm Central, by appointment only. Parking is free.

STL's website does not list a way to reserve a security time slot. Walk up to your airline's checkpoint and check the posted wait times before you leave for the airport.

Travelers 18 and older need valid government ID at the checkpoint. A REAL ID driver license or ID card, or another acceptable ID such as a passport, has been required for domestic flights since May 7, 2025.

STL says travelers without acceptable ID were offered a $45 TSA Confirm.ID option starting February 1, 2026, good for a 10-day travel period. Check tsa.gov for current terms.

TSA Cares is a national helpline for travelers with disabilities, medical conditions or anxiety. Call (855) 787-2227 at least 72 hours before you fly. At the checkpoint you can also ask a TSA officer or supervisor for a Passenger Support Specialist.

TSA is responsible for items lost in the security areas. Email STL-LostFound@tsa.dhs.gov or use the form on tsa.gov. Airport police non-emergency and general lost and found: 314-890-1370. Emergencies: 314-426-8100.

MetroLink is changing at both terminals. The Terminal 1 station has been closed since Monday, October 12, and the Terminal 2 station closes Monday, November 2. Metro Transit expects both to reopen in mid-December but has not given exact dates. Until November 2, ride the Red Line to the Terminal 2 station and take the free airport shuttle to Terminal 1 (it picks up at Terminal 2 Exit 10 and Terminal 1 Exit 12). Metro says it will share how riders connect after November 2, so check metrostlouis.org before you go. The shuttle between the two terminals takes about 10 minutes.